Did Christianity Begin with a Bribe? A New Film on Paul, “A Polite Bribe” Probes the Question

by James Tabor on jamestabor.com

It is not often that one sees a first-run film dealing with–of all people–the Apostle Paul!

“A Polite Bribe” is just such a film and it is coming to Charlotte, NC on Thursday, November 15th. Director Robert Orlando and Prof. James D. Tabor are co-hosting the Charlotte screening which will include a Q&A session following. The film will be shown one time only at 7pm at Regal Starlight Stadium 14, near the University of North Carolina campus. Tickets, directions, and more information are available here.

This thoughtful and provocative film is making its way to select theaters near major universities around the country. It was screened last week at Chapel Hill co-hosted by Bart Ehrman and will show November 8th in Nashville, co-hosted by Gerd Lüdemann. For those attending the upcoming Society of Biblical Literature meeting in Chicago there is a showing planned for November 18th. You can read more about the film here, including an provocative trailer, a schedule of other screenings, and lots of news buzz generated by its debut. I won’t give the thesis of the film away but Robert Orlando, without any knowledge of my work on Paul, has put on film a thesis that fits in well with my own take on Paul’s self-understanding as an “Apostle of the apostles,” with a unique messianic mission second only to that of Jesus Christ himself. The film explores the virtually ignored relationship of Paul with the enigmatic “James” whom Paul calls “the brother of the Lord.”

This film is a “must see.” You won’t want to miss it. If you living in the Charlotte area, or within reasonable travel distance thereto, I look forward to seeing you at the screening. Seating is limited so reserve your tickets soon.

For more articles by James Tabor click here.